Hilmar Rode has over 30 years in the global mining, materials, chemicals and industrial gases industries and currently leads operational strategy, technical services, projects and capital management for Glencore’s copper group. He began his career in process development and research engineering before joining Anglo American, where he worked for 12 years in positions of increasing leadership in its industrial diamonds, base metals and paper divisions in South Africa, United Kingdom and Austria, respectively. He joined Glencore in 2007 as CEO of its zinc division in Bolivia, returning in 2019 to the copper division in his present position after a two-year stint with BHP as president of Minera Escondida Ltda. in Chile, and nearly three years as CEO of Nyrstar, guiding the company through a challenging operational and market environment.
Hilmar holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, a master’s in environmental engineering and doctorate in chemical engineering from State University, Buffalo, New York, and a certificate in the Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School.
“I am delighted that Sibelco has attracted a CEO of Hilmar’s experience and caliber. His deep industrial knowledge and strong track record in multinational and multicultural environments make him the ideal choice. The Board of Directors and I look forward to working with Hilmar on taking Sibelco to the next stage of its development.”
Bert De Graeve
Sibelco Chairman
“I am excited by this opportunity to work with the management team and the Board of Directors in writing the next chapter in Sibelco’s long history. The company’s push to develop material solutions and its commitment to operational excellence and sustainable business practices were particular factors that attracted me to the role. The family shareholding and long-term focus of the owners also appeals greatly to me. I look forward to building new relationships with my future colleagues, shareholders and other stakeholders and to making the most of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Hilmar Rode
CEO
